All Hail Rick Ankiel, the future mayor of St. Louis. Slicky Ricky smoked 2 more HRs, had 7 RBIs, and 4 runs scored. 703 HRs and 81 wins to catch Babe Ruth as the All-Time greatest pitcher turned outfielder. Mike Maroth was only able to get through 1.2 innings, giving up 2 runs. The bullpen gave up 2 runs in 6.1 innings. Eck chipped in 3 hits. Albert and Ludwick had 2 hits a piece. Brendan Ryan keeps making his case for an everyday job next year. The rookie SS, 3B, and 2B had 3 more hits scored 3 runs and raised his average to .341.

The Cardinals now travel to Arizona to take on the Baby Backs. It has to be one of the best pitching matchups of the year as last year’s postseason hero, Adam Wainwright, takes on last year’s Cy Young award winner, Brandon Webb. This should be a good one.

Game 2 of the Texas League Northern Division Playoffs

Colby Rasmus from the Springfield News Leader.

Springfield 4 Tulsa (Rockies) 3

Wow! After going hitless for the game, Colby Rasmus stepped up in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs, BAM! Superman returned to Hammons Field as Colby hit a walkoff HR, hopefully the first in a career filled with Post Season Heroics. Amazing. Allen Craig drove in another run as did Bryan Anderson. Even though he doesn’t light up the radar gun, P.J. Walters is making a case to be at least mentioned when talking about the Cardinals top pitching prospects. Tonight, P.J. gave up a single run on 6 hits in 7 innings of work. Clutch is the only way to describe an outing like that. Jason Motte gave up a 2-run HR off the bat of Christian Colonel in the eighth to bring about a 3-3 tie. Matt Scherer pitched 1.2 perfect innings to get the win.

The next game will be in Tulsa on Friday night. Eric Haberer will get the nod for Springfield, who leads the series 2-0.

Game 2 of the Midwest League Playoffs

Quad Cities 4 Beloit (Twins) 5 in 11 innings

Tyler Henley hit a 3-run pinch hit HR in the eighth to tie the game up. The game then went to extra frames and closer Kenny Maiques gave up 4 hits and a walk and that led to the winning run. Brandon Dickson gave up 4 runs in 4.2 innings. Kyle Mura pitched another 1.2 innings of shutout baseball. Tony Cruz had 2 hits and a walk. Steve Hill hit a solo shot. Jaime Landin and newly promoted Daniel Descalso each chipped in 2 hits.

The Swing are now eliminated from the Post season. Depending on the Name the Team results, this could be the last game ever for the Swing.

Batavia 2 Williamsport (Phillies) 5

Blake King took the loss; allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings. King had shown better command of late but struggled tonight. Pete Kozma had a hit and an RBI while making 2 errors which make 7 for him in 7 NY-Penn League games. Mike Folli chipped in 2 hits.